RG Barry Brands is hiring: Photographer-Contract in Pickerington

Basic Function:

The Photographer is a key contributor to our in-house photo studio team, supporting the execution of high-volume, high-quality e-commerce product photography for Dearfoams and Baggallini footwear, bag and accessory brands. This role is primarily production-focused, with most of the time spent on day-to-day product photography that requires strong attention to detail, technical accuracy, speed, and consistency at scale. Opportunities for additional creative work may be available as business needs allow. This is a 40-hour week styling and shooting product in our Pickerington, Ohio studio location.

Work is performed in a fast-paced, production-driven studio environment that requires managing multiple projects across brands while meeting tight deadlines and exacting quality standards. The Photographer is responsible for producing repeatable, technically precise, and on-brand imagery that meets established customer, brand, and technical specifications across all assigned product categories. This role is best suited for photographers who excel in structured studio environments rather than editorial or concept-driven workflows.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Photograph products to customer and brand standards using precise lighting, composition, styling, and propping, including handbags and footwear. This includes applying nuanced and advanced lighting techniques for products that require specialized treatment beyond standard setups, with an emphasis on repeatability and consistency across large volumes of imagery.
2. Prioritize and manage daily workload based on studio production schedules, workflow needs, and project timelines in a high-volume, efficiency-driven environment.
3. Organize, maintain, and track product samples within the studio, along with photography equipment, props, and accessories to support streamlined production workflows.
4. Partner with external retouching agencies and perform detailed quality checks on returned imagery to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company standards across all brands and channels.
5. Archive approved final imagery and maintain a clear, organized, and scalable file management system that supports ongoing production needs.
6. Benchmark photography from fashion brands and key competitors with a focus on e-commerce performance and technical execution, ensuring standards remain current and competitive.
7. Address and execute image revisions, reshoots, and updates as needed, responding efficiently to feedback and quality requirements.
8. Conduct regular website imagery audits to ensure photography meets brand standards for technical quality, consistency, and presentation across all platforms.
9. Communicate proactively and clearly to identify, escalate, and resolve issues that arise during the photography and production process, working cross-functionally with key partners across Creative, Marketing, E-commerce, and Operations.
10. Collaborate with the RGB Creative team on ad-hoc and cross-functional projects as needed, contributing strong technical execution and problem-solving rather than concept development.
11. Perform other duties as assigned to support studio operations and production goals.

Qualifications and Competencies:

1. BS/BA or related four-year degree required (emphasis in photography, visual arts, or design preferred), with 1-2 years of experience in a production-oriented photo studio environment.
2. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (CS5 or later), Lightroom, and Phase One Capture One, with a strong understanding of efficient capture-to-delivery workflows.
3. Strong technical experience with Canon camera systems and professional studio lighting equipment, including the ability to execute consistent lighting setups repeatedly across high quantities of product.
4. Demonstrated strength in technical execution, with a sharp eye for product styling, propping, lighting precision, and visual consistency.
5. Proven ability to perform under pressure in a high-volume, deadline-driven production environment; candidates whose experience is primarily editorial, lifestyle, or concept-based may find this role less aligned with their strengths.
6. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often with differing brand standards and daily production targets.
7. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and professionally across teams and with external partners.
8. Clear and effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
9. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and dependable, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for output quality.
10. Ability to collaborate and execute efficiently within established processes and creative standards.
11. Demonstrated ability to prioritize daily tasks and maintain consistent productivity while meeting strict quality expectations.
12. Shooting and styling in-house studio product photography 5 days a week, 40 hours per week on average.
13. A strong, current portfolio showcasing a range of product photography work is required for consideration.